Nelson City Council is hosting Te Huihui-o-Matariki 2025 in collaboration with Ngā Iwi e Waru o Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui and Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui Māori Culture Council.


This year's event will include Taku Kara Tīpuna, the regional secondary school kapa haka competition hosted by Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui Māori Culture Council. Tickets to Taku Kara Tīpuna can be purchased at the door (cash only).

We are pleased to announce one of our guest performers at this year’s Matariki Festival, Naia Awatea (one of two of the soloists from Te Kuru Marutea and winners of the People’s Choice Award at Te Matatini 2025).

The evening’s entertainment will be announced shortly!

The Matariki market will be open from 11am – 9pm, offering a diverse range of food as well as arts and crafts for sale. Bring your own plates, cutlery, drink bottle and reusable bags to reduce waste .

Important info

Getting there

Traffic will be busy in the city, so please consider carpooling, taking the bus, cycling or walking to the event.

Please note, the Trafalgar Park Lane and Hathaway Terrace carpark will be closed to the public due to the high volume of pedestrians in the area.

Parking will be available at Wakatu Square, Millers Acre and Nelson City Centre. Please drive carefully on the night, and watch for pedestrians and cyclists.

Event details

Tickets to Taku Kara Tīpuna can be purchased at the door. Adults: $10, children: $5 and under 5 are free. Koha - Gold coin entry for evening entertainment.

Please bring cash. There will be no access to cash withdrawals onsite and limited access for eftpos transactions at the Night Market.

Attendees are welcome to bring picnic blankets and chairs to enjoy the entertainment.

For those taking the eBus

The buses will be running on the Public Holiday timetable. The final return departure times for Routes 1 - 4 from the Nelson City Interchange on Friday 20 June are as follows:

  • Route 1: final departure at 7:25pm
  • Route 2: final departure at 7:10pm
  • Route 3: final departure at 7:02pm
  • Route 4: final departure at 6:15pm

Routes 5 & 6 will not be operating. The Late Late bus will run to its usual schedule.